How did it happen? How did early intervention for young children with disabilities become so divorced from the family, so clinical, and so removed from science? In this article, I argue for a family-centered approach to early intervention, based on the literature. I describe some specific practices for implementing this approach as well as some instruments to measure the fidelity with which the practices are used. Finally, I discuss how the field is being transformed by a partnership between opportunity (the Routines-Based Model) and a changing mindset (Metanoia).

Early intervention, Family-centered practices, Routines-based model, Routines-based interview, Natural environments, Family consultation.